Does Apple Cider Vinegar Thin the Blood?
No, apple cider vinegar does not thin the blood in the sense of providing clinically meaningful anticoagulation, but it may actually inhibit fibrinolysis (the breakdown of blood clots), which is the opposite of blood thinning.
Evidence on Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Clotting
The only direct study examining apple cider vinegar's effects on blood clotting mechanisms found that cider actually inhibits the fibrinolytic system rather than promoting anticoagulation 1:
- Ingestion of 750 ml of cider significantly inhibited plasma fibrinolytic activity 1
- Cider inhibited urokinase-induced clot lysis in a concentration-dependent manner 1
- The fibrinolytic activities of plasmin, urokinase, and tissue activator on fibrin were all inhibited by cider 1
- This inhibitory effect was heat-stable and non-dialysable, suggesting it is a stable property of the substance 1
What This Means Clinically
Apple cider vinegar appears to have anti-fibrinolytic properties, meaning it may actually make it harder for blood clots to break down naturally, which is opposite to "blood thinning." This is important because:
- Patients taking anticoagulants (warfarin, DOACs) should not rely on apple cider vinegar for any anticoagulant effect 1
- There is no evidence that apple cider vinegar provides protection against thrombotic events like DVT or PE 1
- The anti-fibrinolytic effect could theoretically be problematic in patients at risk for thrombosis, though clinical significance is unclear 1
Other Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar
While apple cider vinegar does not thin blood, research shows it may have other metabolic effects:
- Reduces fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in diabetic patients 2, 3
- Decreases total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels 4, 2, 3
- Provides antioxidant effects and reduces oxidative stress 4, 5
- These effects are related to metabolic pathways, not anticoagulation 4, 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not recommend apple cider vinegar as a substitute for prescribed anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation, VTE, or other conditions requiring anticoagulation 1
- Do not assume natural products have blood-thinning properties without specific evidence; the fibrinolytic inhibition seen with cider is the opposite of what many patients expect 1
- Counsel patients that dietary supplements and natural products can have unexpected effects on clotting mechanisms that may not align with popular beliefs 1